I was wondering how the principal repayment of debt affects the 3 main financial statements (specifically regarding the income statement…that is, if it even does).
I am pretty sure that on the balance sheet, bonds payable will be reduced by the carrying amount at maturity and cash should as well decline (I think by the same amount). Regarding the cash flow statement, the payment is recorded as an outflow from financing.
But…is there anything that is recorded on the income statement? Is it an operating expense?
It doesn’t affect the income statement directly. It affects the income statement indirectly because once you repay the principle your interest payment declines.
It reduces cash and liabilities on the balance sheet.